Lye is a common chemical compound used in industrial processes. But did you know you can also use lye in gardening?

Lye serves as a gardening aid by adjusting soil pH from acidic to alkaline. This creates an optimal environment for plant growth. While it can replace traditional limestone, caution is necessary. Due to its strength, lye may pose risks to plants and skin.

Here are some reasons why you would consider using lye on your garden soil:

1. To Remove Weeds

Weeds can hinder the growth of your plants and compete for resources needed for your plants to grow well.

To avoid this, lye can step in as a strategic weapon to conquer them. Applying it to the soil will deter unwanted plants, making room for your chosen ones to grow

2. To Enrich the Soil with Sodium

Lye contains sodium and hydrogen. These two combine to form sodium hydroxide through chemical reactions. When the soil lacks enough sodium, it can hinder plant growth.

Lye adds sodium to the soil, promoting strong plant growth.

3. To Balance Soil Acidity

Soil acidity can impede plant growth and productivity. Here, the alkaline properties of lye can prove beneficial.

Applying alkaline lye to your garden soil reduces acidity. This also creates a balanced pH for healthy plant growth.

5. To Foster Microbial Activity

Tiny organisms in the soil provide important nutrients to plants. Some of these microorganisms thrive in alkaline conditions, which lye can offer.

Adding lye increases alkalinity. This creates a good environment for helpful microorganisms to support plant health.

6. To Manage Waste and Soil Health

Lye’s reputation as a potent cleanser extends to the garden. As it transforms substances into soap, it can also aid in breaking down animal waste in garden spaces.

Its natural properties reduce harmful soil bacteria, protecting your plants.

Additionally, lye supports the development of plants that thrive in alkaline environments.

Here are some factors to consider when using Lye for your garden:

1. Focus on Safety Measures

Direct application of lye to plants can be hazardous; it can cause harm or even plant death.

To mitigate these risks, always mix lye with water or another suitable liquid before use.

Lye has a pH level between 13 and 14, making it acidic. This pH level can be harmful to human skin and organs.

Ensure you’re wearing safety attire, such as an apron, gloves, and safety glasses.

2. Dilute with Water

To prepare lye for application to soil and weeds, you need to mix it with water. Water is an excellent choice for dilution. It enhances the efficiency of the lye.

Generally, a ratio of 200 ml of water for each gram of lye is adequate.

After adding the water, mix and allow the solution a few minutes to dilute/. Always handle the mixture with hand gloves, avoiding direct skin contact.

3. Allow Solution Formation

Give the solution some time to form. Sodium hydroxide requires time to dissolve in liquid. It may take a few hours for the chemical bonds in the compound to break down and mix with the added water.

4. Use a Garden Sprayer for the Application

Use a filter funnel to pour the diluted lye into the sprayer. This would help to remove any undissolved pellets.

Shake the solution, employing a spatula to ensure thorough blending. Allow the mixture to rest for a brief period before using it in the garden.

You can use the sprayer for easy application and to prevent direct contact with your body.

5. Create Protective Barriers

Safeguard essential plants in your garden from unintended exposure to lye. You can use cardboard or opaque materials as barriers when spraying.

Conclusion

Lye has different roles in gardening. It’s used to take out weeds, balance the soil acidity, and enrich it with sodium.

Ensure that you protect your skin, as well as any plants you don’t want to expose the lye to during application.